Call for Papers: ICOM Europe 2024 Conference “Heritage Resilience: Safeguarding Cultural Legacy in Crisis Zones”

Conference Dates: November 28-29, 2024
Location: Georgian Museum of Fine Art. Tbilisi, Georgia
Submission Deadline: September 10, 2024

Join us in Tbilisi, Georgia, for the ICOM Europe 2024 International Conference, a landmark event dedicated to addressing the urgent challenges of protecting cultural heritage in crisis situations. This conference marks the 70th anniversary of the UNESCO Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding our shared cultural legacy.

About the Conference:

The ICOM Europe 2024 Conference will be preceded by a specialized training series from November 25-27, 2024, focusing on disaster risk management, emergency preparedness, and crisis communication. This training aims to enhance practical skills and strategies for safeguarding cultural heritage in conflict-prone areas.

Following the training, the conference will gather global experts to explore broader issues related to heritage protection under threat. We will examine best practices, roles of various entities, and strategies to prevent the intentional destruction of cultural assets. This event provides a platform for best practice exchange, addressing complex issues, and fostering international collaboration.

Relevance and Context:

This conference is particularly relevant given the significant challenges faced in heritage protection both globally and within Georgia. The conflicts, such as those in Abkhazia (Western Georgia) and South Ossetia (Samachablo), have resulted in substantial cultural losses, highlighting the urgent need for resilient heritage protection mechanisms. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other countries have further underscored the vulnerability of cultural heritage in crisis zones, drawing international attention to these pressing issues.

The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage remains a common tactic in warfare, aimed at erasing identities and disrupting communities. This conference seeks to address these critical issues by re-evaluating and redefining the roles of governmental and non-governmental entities in heritage protection, in alignment with international conventions. By examining recent instances of heritage destruction and other global occurrences, the conference aims to underscore the importance of implementing the principles of the 1954 Hague Convention.

Conference Themes:

• Best Practices in Heritage Protection: Ad hoc solutions, innovations, and case studies in safeguarding cultural heritage during crises.
• Challenges and Complexities: Navigating the multifaceted issues of heritage preservation in conflict zones, including legal constraints and safe storage solutions.
• Role of Entities in Heritage Protection: Exploring the collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Role of Communications: The dynamic roles of communications, community empowerment, and marketing during crises and in conflict zones.

Conference Objectives:

• Enhance global understanding of the complexities in protecting cultural heritage in crisis situations.
• Share best practices and innovative approaches to heritage protection.
• Foster international collaboration and strengthen networks among heritage professionals and organizations.
• Advocate for the implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention and other international frameworks for heritage protection.

Submission Guidelines:

• Abstracts: Up to 300 words: Title, Author(s): Full names, academic or professional titles, and affiliations.
  Objective: Clearly state the purpose and relevance of the research or presentation.
  Methodology: Summarize the approach or methods used.
  Results: Highlight key findings or outcomes.
  Conclusion: Provide a brief statement on the implications or significance of the results.
  Keywords: 3-5 keywords that reflect the main themes or topics.
• Full Texts: 4,000 to 6,000 words: Title Page: Include the title, author(s) names, academic or professional titles, affiliations, and contact information. Indicate the corresponding author.
  Abstract: A brief summary of the paper (up to 300 words) on the title page.
  Introduction: Provide background information, research questions, and objectives.
  Literature Review: Summarize existing research relevant to the topic, highlighting gaps addressed by your work.
  Methodology: Describe the research methods, data collection, and analysis techniques.
  Results: Present the findings in a clear and organized manner, using tables, figures, or charts if necessary.
  Conclusion: Summarize the main conclusions and suggest recommendations or future research directions.
  References: Use a standardized citation style- APA for the bibliography.
  Appendices: Include any supplementary material that supports the text, such as detailed data or additional figures.
• Submission: Send abstracts and full texts to: chair.icomeurope@gmail.com and icomgeo@gmail.com

Important Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: September 10, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: September 30, 2024
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024

Organizers and Supporters:

The conference is supported by ICOM and organized by ICOM Europe and ICOM Georgia, in collaboration with ICOM International Committees (ICOM DRMC, ICOM MPR), ICOM National Committees (ICOM France, ICOM Austria, ICOM Belgium, ICOM Italy), Blue Shield France, Blue Shield Georgia, Italian Opificio delle Pietre Dure, and Italian Istituto Centrale per Il Restauro.

We invite museum and heritage professionals, scholars, practitioners, and representatives from policy-making organizations to contribute to this significant conference. Join us in shaping the future of heritage resilience and safeguarding our cultural legacy.

For more information and to submit your papers, contact us at chair.icomeurope@gmail.com and icomgeo@gmail.com.